Vanilla Extract Recipe
You only require 2 ingredients to create homemade Vanilla Extract. This versatile ingredient is used to add flavor to milk, desserts, sweets, and cakes. To make Vanilla Extract, simply soak vanilla beans in alcohol. It is a simple and cost-effective process to do at home.
Creating your own Vanilla Extract is a simple and efficient process. All you need are two ingredients: vanilla beans and alcohol. Making your own Vanilla Extract is a budget-friendly option and yields better results than store-bought alternatives. Additionally, you can also use vanilla beans to make Vanilla Sugar at home.
Table of Contents
About Vanilla Extract
Vanilla Extract also known as Vanilla Essence or Vanilla Syrup is one of the main flavoring ingredient in baking. Homemade Vanilla Extract is very easy and quick to make. Just pour alcohol over split vanilla beans and let the concoction age over time. It takes at least 7-8 weeks for it to get ready. Give it a shake every now and then. Homemade Vanilla Extract keeps fresh good for years.
For this, you’ll need high-quality vanilla beans. It took me a while to find them, but I eventually found them online. For the alcohol, you can use rum, brandy, or vodka. I chose vodka and after almost a month, the flavor is already excellent. The longer you let it rest, the stronger the flavor will be.
The vanilla beans continue to infuse the submerged liquid with flavor, while the alcohol serves as a preservative. Although the vanilla bean can also be added whole, I prefer to cut it into pieces to ensure full submersion in the liquid.
Making your own Vanilla Extract is a straightforward and effortless process, requiring only two ingredients and a few minutes of your time to mix them together. The end result is a batch of homemade Vanilla Extract that will enhance the flavor of any baked goods.
What are the Benefits of Making Vanilla Extract at Home?
Vanilla extract is readily available in supermarkets, but making it at home is not only cost-effective, it also allows for complete control over the strength of flavor. Store-bought vanilla essence often lacks the desired depth of flavor.
Obtain high-quality vanilla beans and mix in alcohol, allowing the mixture to sit. Once you have created your own vanilla extract, I am confident that you will no longer purchase pre-made ones from the store. Simply compare the aroma of store-bought vanilla essence to that of your homemade extract to experience the notable difference.
Making your own Vanilla Syrup is a cost-effective option that can be easily refilled and also serves as a wonderful present for the holiday season.
What you need?
- Glass jars or Glass Bottles with a tight lid
- Vanilla Beans
- Vodka
- Sharp knife
- Kitchen scissors
How can Vanilla Extract be stored?
Keep your homemade vanilla extract in a cool location and away from direct sunlight.
Make sure to use glass jars that have been sterilized and have a secure lid. Give the bottle a gentle shake once a week and store it. Keep in mind that Homemade Vanilla requires patience, as it must be left to fully develop for at least 7-8 weeks.
You have the option of creating some now and it will be prepared in 3 months. You can also periodically add alcohol to the container as you use it. For further clarification, please refer to the Tips section.
Vanilla Extract Ingredients
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Purchase high-quality vanilla beans. Grade B vanilla beans are typically utilized for creating vanilla extract.
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Vodka is often utilized in making vanilla extract, but other options such as bourbon, rum, or brandy can also be used. Avoid purchasing flavored alcohol.
Step by step recipe for making vanilla extract.
Prepare the ingredients. Start with sourcing a vanilla bean, ensuring that it is of high quality for optimal results.
2. Carefully slice open the vanilla bean.
Use a sharp knife to scrape off the vanilla.
Reduce the amount as much as you can.
Please ensure that you use a clean, dry glass bottle. Begin by placing the scraped vanilla into the bottle and continue until finished.
6.Cut the vanilla bean into small pieces and add it to the bottle. You can add the bean as such too if it fits inside your bottle.
7. The bottle is infused with vanilla beans and scraped vanilla.
Take the measurement and have the vodka on hand.
Put it in the bottle.
10.Close with lid.
Mix thoroughly and let it sit for a while.
I also included some additional items in a separate small bottle and mixed the remaining vodka with it.
Be sure to shake the mixture at least once per week. It typically takes a minimum of 8 weeks for the flavor and color to fully infuse. The longer the mixture sits, the stronger the flavor will be. Don’t rush the process, as it takes time for the flavor to develop and the color to deepen.
What follows is the outcome after 4 weeks.
Keep it in a cool, dry location.
Expert Tips
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For optimal results when creating vanilla syrup, it is recommended to use high-quality vanilla beans. Grade B vanilla beans are particularly suitable for this purpose.
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Thoroughly sanitize the bottle prior to use.
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By incorporating both vanilla bean paste and the pod into the vodka, the resulting vanilla essence will contain specks of vanilla bean seeds. This will enhance the flavor of your baked goods.
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Steer clear of flavored vodka, as it could contain artificial flavors.
FAQS
Which type of vanilla beans should I use?
For optimal outcomes, select high-quality vanilla beans. Grade B beans are ideal for creating vanilla extract, as they are also more cost-effective than Grade A beans.
What is a substitute for vodka?
You have the option to substitute vodka with rum, brandy, or bourbon.
If you have additional inquiries regarding this recipe for vanilla extract, please email me at [email protected] You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube, and Twitter.
Have you tried making this Vanilla Extract Recipe? Let me know your thoughts on it and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and use the hashtag #sharmispassions.
📖 Recipe Card
Vanilla Extract Recipe
Vanilla Extract needs just 2 ingredients to be made at home. Vanilla Extract is a handy ingredient to flavor milk, desserts, sweets and cakes. Vanilla Extract is made by soaking vanilla in alcohol yes it is that easy to make.
Ingredients
- 4 vanilla beans
- 1 cup vodka
Instructions
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Prepare the ingredients. Start with sourcing a vanilla bean, and be sure to purchase a high-quality one for optimal outcomes.
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Start by cutting open the vanilla bean.
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Use a sharp knife to remove the vanilla.
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Reduce it as much as possible.
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Ensure that you use a fresh and dry glass bottle. Begin by adding the scraped vanilla to the bottle. Repeat this process until finished.
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Chop the vanilla bean into smaller segments and place them in the bottle. If it fits, you can also add the whole bean to the bottle.
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The bottle is infused with vanilla beans and scraped vanilla.
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Prepare and have the vodka on hand.
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Put it in the bottle.
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Close with lid.
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Gently mix and let it sit for a while.
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I also included some additional items in a smaller bottle and mixed in the remaining vodka.
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Ensure to shake once a week. It requires a minimum of 8 weeks for the flavor and color to fully infuse. The longer you allow the flavor to steep, the better it will be. Be sure to shake well before using!
Nutrition Facts
Vanilla Extract Recipe
Quantity per serving (10 ml)
Calories 42
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.04g0%
Sodium 0.2mg0%
Potassium 0.2mg0%
Carbohydrates 0.1g0%
Iron 0.002mg0%
The Daily Values are calculated based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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